---submitted by Rajay Goyal

On December 21, 2025, the Indian Society of Worcester (ISW), located in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, hosted an inspiring and transformative program to mark the United Nations–designated World Meditation Day. Coinciding with the winter solstice—the shortest day of the year and a traditional time for introspection—the event offered community members a meaningful opportunity to pause, breathe, and reconnect with their inner selves.

More than fifty participants gathered on a beautiful Sunday afternoon in the ISW community hall. The program featured three thoughtfully curated sessions, each showcasing a distinct meditation tradition and approach. The event was warmly opened by Ms. Shiamin Melville and Mr. Rajay Goyal, who welcomed the speakers and attendees and set the tone for an afternoon of mindfulness and reflection.

The first session was led by Ms. Bharti Bhakta, a longtime ISW member. She introduced participants to the eight limbs of Patanjali Yoga, providing a clear and insightful overview of this ancient framework. The session concluded with guided Pranayama breathing exercises and Soham meditation, helping attendees settle into a calm and centered state. The second session featured Mr. Kavishwar Wagholikar and Mr. Manish Shroff from the Art of Living. They shared updates on recent initiatives, including research on intuition development in children and the positive impact of meditation for children with special needs and ADHD. This informative discussion was followed by the practice of Bhastrika Pranayama and a guided meditation, allowing participants to experience the techniques firsthand. The third and final session was conducted by Mr. Devesh Srivastava from Heartfulness Meditation. He began by introducing Dr. Gladys McGarey’s transformative “Five Ls” framework—Living, Loving, Laughing, Laboring, and Listening—as a guide to a meaningful and stress-free life. He then introduced the principles of Heartfulness Meditation and led the group through a deeply calming meditation practice.

Fifteen-minute breaks between sessions provided time for social interaction, questions, and refreshments, including tea and snacks, fostering a sense of community and shared learning. The program concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by Ms. Shiamin Melville and Rajay Goyal.

This marked the first time ISW celebrated World Meditation Day, and the enthusiastic response from participants strongly suggests it will become an annual tradition. More than just an event, World Meditation Day at ISW served as a powerful reminder of the role stillness and mindfulness play in nurturing harmony within ourselves and with others. Through inclusive programming and active participation, the ISW community embraced a deeper sense of connection—perfectly timed for the holiday season.

For more info
bhartib127@gmail.com
waghsk@gmail.com
deveshsrivastav@gmail.com
manish_shroffin@yahoo.com